Introduction
Modern manufacturing is changing rapidly. Automation, robotics, digital technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the way products are designed, planned, manufactured and delivered.
But technology does not eliminate the need for capable people. In many respects, it makes knowledgeable and adaptable people even more important.
Modern manufacturing depends on people who can understand how the different parts of an operation work together — from business strategy and customer requirements through planning, materials, production, quality, logistics and continuous improvement.
For people already working in manufacturing, as well as those seeking to build a career in the industry, developing this broader understanding can open the door to greater responsibility and future career opportunities.
Basics of Manufacturing and Operations Management provides participants with a practical introduction to manufacturing and operations management, helping them understand how organisations transform resources into products and services that customers value.
About the Course
Basics of Manufacturing and Operations Management is a practical foundation course for individuals seeking to develop an understanding of these areas.
Rather than focusing on one specialised function, the course provides a broad view of how a modern manufacturing operation works.
Participants are introduced to the key principles behind business strategy, supply chains, manufacturing strategies, planning and scheduling, materials and capacity planning, production systems, industrial engineering, materials management, lean thinking and continuous improvement.
The result is a better understanding of how individual roles contribute to the performance of the overall operation.
This course is particularly valuable for employees who want to move beyond understanding their own job and develop an appreciation of how the whole operation works.
Who Would Benefit from Attending?
The course is designed for individuals from a wide range of organisational functions who require an introductory understanding of manufacturing and operations.
It is particularly suitable for:
- Employees entering the manufacturing industry
- Production and operations personnel
- First-line supervisors and team leaders
- Employees preparing for supervisory or management responsibilities
- Planning and scheduling personnel
- Materials and inventory personnel
- Purchasing and procurement personnel
- Maintenance personnel
- Quality personnel
- Warehouse and logistics personnel
- Technical and engineering support personnel
- Administrative and support personnel working in manufacturing organisations
- Anyone seeking to develop a broader understanding of manufacturing operations
The course is also valuable for experienced employees who have developed strong knowledge of their own function and now want to understand how their work affects the wider manufacturing system.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal prerequisites for entry into the programme.
Basic literacy and numeracy skills are recommended to enable participants to work comfortably with course materials and basic operational information.
What Will Participants Gain?
On completion of the course, participants will have a better understanding of how to:
- Explain how a manufacturing organisation creates value for its customers
- Understand the relationship between business strategy and manufacturing strategy
- Describe the role of supply chain management in manufacturing
- Understand the major stages involved in planning and controlling production
- Explain the purpose of forecasting, scheduling and production planning
- Understand the relationship between materials, capacity and production requirements
- Recognise different types of production systems and their characteristics
- Understand the contribution of industrial engineering to manufacturing performance
- Explain the role of materials management in supporting production
- Identify common forms of waste in manufacturing
- Understand the principles of lean thinking and continuous improvement
- Recognise how different functions must work together to achieve operational performance
Most importantly, participants will begin to see manufacturing as an integrated system rather than a collection of separate departments.
BMOM Course Outline
The course consists of nine learning modules followed by a final examination:
- Business Formation and Strategy
- Management, Supply Chain and Customer Service
- Manufacturing and Manufacturing Strategies
- Planning, Forecasting and Scheduling
- Materials and Capacity Planning
- Types of Production and Production Materials
- Industrial Engineering Support
- Materials Management
- Lean, Waste and Continuous Improvement
- Final Examination
Flexible Learning Options
The course is non-unit-standard-aligned and non-accredited, offering a practical learning programme without the formal requirements of an accredited qualification.
Participants can choose the learning approach that best suits their circumstances.
Instructor-Led Training
Ideal for organisations and individuals who value structured learning and direct interaction with an experienced instructor.
- Experienced instructors guide participants through the course
- Structured classroom learning helps participants remain focused and on track
- Group discussion encourages participants to relate concepts to their own workplaces
- Practical examples help connect theory with manufacturing reality
- Particularly suitable for company-based group training
- Contact time: 30 hours, including the final examination
Online Instructor-Led Training
Provides the benefits of instructor-led learning without requiring participants to travel to a training venue.
- Experienced instructors deliver the programme online
- Platforms supported include Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet
- Interactive learning environment suitable for individuals and small groups
- Participants can engage directly with the instructor and other learners
- Reduces travel time and associated costs
- Contact time: 30 hours
- Final examination is proctored
Self-Study
Designed for individuals who require flexibility and want to fit their learning around work and personal commitments.
- Study from home, work or while travelling
- Learn at your own pace
- Avoid travel to a training venue
- Reduce time and travel costs
- Access tutoring support if required
- Suitable for individuals who prefer independent learning
- Final examination is proctored
Assessment and Certificate
· Learning is assessed through a final examination, supported by required homework activities.
· Participants who meet the prescribed assessment requirements will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
· The assessments are designed to confirm that participants have understood the key principles covered during the programme and can apply their knowledge to production and inventory management situations.
Why Choose Basics of Manufacturing and Operations Management?
Manufacturing is no longer simply about machines, production lines and people making products.
A successful manufacturing operation brings together customers, strategy, people, technology, materials, planning, production, logistics and continuous improvement.
Understanding these connections gives employees a broader perspective and enables them to see how their decisions and actions can affect the performance of the entire organisation.
Basics of Manufacturing and Operations Management provides that foundation.
It is an opportunity to move from simply understanding what happens in your part of the business to understanding how the whole operation works — and how you can help make it work better.